By train to Grenoble & Isère in France

Isère is located in the southern part of the French Alps, is very large (7,000 hectares of area) and is known for its impressive landscapes. You will also find the plateau de Vercors in this department. A beautiful area located in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes where you can hike, bike and enjoy endless peace and quiet.

From the Netherlands, it is about 7.5 hours by Thalys and TGV to Grenoble (with a change in Paris). The train stops right in the centre of Grenoble in France, making it easily accessible without a car. Grenoble is a friendly student city with interesting sights. It is an inspiring, green and innovative city. The mountains are easily accessible from the city, making this destination ideal to combine with the impressive surroundings.

The Old Town is great fun to walk through, but even more fun by bike and definitely recommended! The city is characterised by unusual architecture, cosy bars, narrow streets and old churches. And don't forget to cycle past park Jardin des Dauphins and Parc Guy Pape and make a pit stop with a walk through the park.

Above all, Grenoble is a beautiful city located at the foot of the mountain massifs of Vercors, Chartreuse and Belledonne and therefore definitely worth a visit.

It is great fun to take the famous red "bubbles" (cable car) from the centre of Grenoble to the higher Fort Bastille. At the top, you have an amazing, beautiful panoramic view of the city and there are two restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat and a drink. Because Grenoble has been declared sustainable European Capital of 2022, a temporary 'Bivouac la Bastille' has been set up near the Bastille for a period of 5 months (until the end of October 2022). An educational place where you can learn more about where you can also stay overnight for a small fee (5-10 euros p.p.) You can choose one of the design huts designed by students (from Grenoble School of Architecture ENSAG). If you want to enjoy more nature, walk from the Bastille back to the city (about half an hour's walk).

Did you know that the cable car dates back to 1934 and was the first in France and in the world?

We stay at Hotel Okko, an affordable hotel not far from the city centre. Ideal for a short stay.

Where to eat?

During the trip, we eat locally, sustainably and organically as much as possible. Below are some restaurants where you can eat well with sustainability in mind in Grenoble.

• Le Rousseau : Small cosy restaurant with local products
• Restaurant Locafé: Vegan restaurant with local products and homemade drinks
• Jeannette Restaurant : Bistro with organic local wines, vegetables and fruit
• Le Bouillon: Charity restaurant
• Bouillon A : Michelin 2-star restaurant, affordable gastronomy

From Grenoble, you can easily travel further to the south of France. We decide to go to Trièves by rental car (electric) and make a few stops in the places below.

Trièves is an area in the Isère and a wonderful place for walking, hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. It is surrounded by the Drac, Vercors and Devoluy valleys and landscapes such as fields and forests. There are 27 villages in this area and agriculture is the main source of income.

Did you know that Trièves means 3 roads between north and south Alps?

Terre Vivante is an hour's drive from Grenoble. What began as a publisher of books on gardening, Terre Vivante opened the 'Living Earth Center' 40 years ago. The 'Living Earth Center covers 50 hectares of vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens, orchards and much more. The spaces contribute to the Ecological Centre's biodiversity and make it a real living space. It is an inspiring and innovative place where visitors and young people can take time to learn and discover about ecology.

Terre Vivante has a delicious restaurant 'Bistrot de la Place' that was set up by a group of young people based on the conviction that everyone should have access to good and healthy food. The association produces their own fruit and vegetables.

There are many nice and unique places to stay in Trièves, such as gites and farms.

During our trip, we stay in Gite Les Ombelles, located in a quiet and unique spot between valleys and mountains of the Vercors. It is an old farmhouse with elements more than 200 years old equipped with a large garden where you can relax. Besides sleeping there, the location also offers excursions such as a walk with owner Patrick (who is also a nature guide). During the walk, he talks about edible and medicinal plants and the various beautiful wild orchids that grow in this area.

And if you like, you can also enjoy delicious food at the Gite, where we cook with local and home-grown crops (vegetables, fruit, herbs, nuts and even spelt).

Another great place to stay is at "La Poulanerie", a farm where the English Laurie Scrimgeour and her partner Maxime Poulat grow wine biodynamically. Also nice to get a tour from Maxime through their vineyard.